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Friday, August 31, 2012

DIY Linen and Paper Wall Art

Our dining room desperately needed some additional soft surfaces to absorb the sound, and some texture to add a little bit of interest. We have lived here for over a year with nothing on the walls in here.

4 walls. Nothing on them. This was right after we moved in, but it's a pretty accurate before pic.

So finally, I was inspired by Bryn Alexander to attempt my own DIY linen and paper wall art project.

The walls are huge, so I loved that the project was about $200 all in. For 4 pieces!

This way I am happy if we leave these up for 6 months or 6 years. My idea of gallery hopping and finding "real" art, was clearly a fantasy, it's just not happening for us for a long, long time.

Tutorial for DIY Linen and Paper Wall Art:

First I got 4 of the largest Ribba frames Ikea sells.

I also ordered 4 different handmade papers from Kate's Paperie. I chose 4 different patterns, just to make each wall "go" but not be exactly the same. The paper is a bit longer than the frames, so I trimmed the ends, trying to keep the pattern looking as organic as possible.

Next I "upholstered" the backing with a gray linen that I bought on Fabric.com for $7.99 a yard. I used 5 yards, although I think I could have gotten away with 4 yards...

We cut the fabric out around the back of the frames, then used an industrial office stapler (that's what we had on hand) to pull it taut.

This is the part of the process that took too long. Just wanting to give you fair warning:)

The tutorial I had pinned, had the paper behind the plexiglass of the frame. We tried it, but with the lighting in our room, it turned out looking too glare-y, so we improvised and took out the fake glass.

I used Tacky glue to attach the paper in a few spots to the fabric, then weighed it all down with a selection of cookbooks.

I let everything dry overnight, and the next morning we hung them up.

Each one is slightly different which I love since it gives you a slightly different view from each spot.

From the living room.

From the kitchen.

From my spot at the head of the table looking towards the library.

I am so proud of myself (and my husband), this is a project that I pinned, he loved, and we tackled together. And just because I love to keep everything real, here is the "during" shot of our 60 foot long gallery.

What fun projects have you been up to?

My house is featured today at Southern Hospitality for Feature Friday, stop by to see my house through Rhoda's eyes:)

Jessica

Thanks for stopping by!

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Jessica, loved featuring you today!! And I love your artwork you created. That is so clever and looks perfect in your space. I was just in Ikea today, I have a feeling I'll be spending lots of time in there once I get in my house.

I love this so much!!! They look gorgeous hanging in your dining room; it makes the room look complete. I love that you chose papers that were all different except in color. It makes it more interesting but they're all still soft and neutral. Awesome project!

Love these! They look so amazing and elegant! Awesome job. I'd love for you to share them at my party, Twirl & Take a Bow at www.houseontheway.com. I think they'd make a great addition! Hope to see you there!Leslie

I love the paper art- it looks exactly like some artwork I fell in love with at West Elm (and couldn't afford!) I went to Kate's Paperie to purchase similar handmade paper but they didn't have a lot of options. Is that where you got all the patterns? What color did you use? Thanks!

I too went Kate's Paperie but could only find 2 types of similar paper. Zgallerie and West Elm have art like this that I just can not afford. But making my own would be great! Do you know where else I could find paper like this?

About

I'm a Harvard-trained architect, now staying at home with 4 young children. I designed and built my dream house, then did it all again with a modern vacation house. I'm putting my passion for design, food and family to work. I built the dream, but I still live in reality.